BALS Backyard
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About the race
BALS Backyard is a Last Person Standing running event held at Westminster Park in Rock Hill, SC on October 17, 2026. Participants run repeated laps of a measured loop until only one runner remains. The course is a 4.167 mile loop used for both daytime and nighttime laps, with about 400 ft of elevation gain or loss per loop. Runners must complete each loop and be present in the corral when the start bell rings; whistles and a bell mark the one hour loop cycle.
Runners may not leave the course until a loop is complete and may not receive crew aid while on the loop. Failure to follow these rules results in a DNF. The final runner must complete one additional loop to be declared the winner.
Runners who cannot complete a loop within 60 minutes are recorded as DNF. The venue includes playground areas, open fields, an 18 hole disc golf course that hosted the 2026 National Collegiate Championships, restroom facilities, fishing with a license, and a large pavilion. One aid station near the start and finish provides water, Just Ingredients Electrolytes, minimal organic snacks, and some homemade organic items. Participants are responsible for their fueling strategy. Crew areas are allocated as 12 by 12 foot spots determined by registration order, with setup allowed the evening before and on race morning.
The event supports a charitable foundation that will receive ten percent of race profits, offers a 15 percent military discount for current and veteran service members, and includes rebranded athletic wear for 2026. Swag bags include branded merchandise and stickers. Finishers receive a small custom handmade award and a BALS Backyard sticker. Participants who reach 50K receive a pin.
The last runner standing receives a custom handmade painting. Two course riddles offer a gift basket prize to the first correct respondents. The event proceeds in most weather and has a limited refund and transfer policy, with a one year pregnancy deferral available. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
